11 Henna Designs That Will Look Divine On A Bride’s Hands

Who doesn’t love the mehendi ceremony? It is a day reserved for brides – patiently sitting and watching the artist draw the most intricate pattern on their hands and feet. The daring ones let their backs, navels and even collarbones be used as canvases. The legacy of bridal henna, thankfully, hasn’t faded over the years. Millennial brides like to honour the practice their own way. Traditional floral patterns have paved the way for minimal designs. Think knuckle tattoos, tribal designs or the Preity Zinta-approved ‘Bhumro’ mehendi. Much like how all brides are beautiful, all interpretations are valid. Henna patrols, take a seat, please.

In the past, we’ve inspired you (hopefully) with a selection of both new-age and fail-safe designs. It’s time to revisit that mehendi obsession. 2018 brides, let’s do this!

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1. Kicking it off with this immaculate design that instantly caught our eye. Everything from the dark-and-light combination to the juxtaposition of floral and geometric elements is gorgeous.

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2. Will you please consider identical patterns? We know you tend to get carried away - why get one design when you can flaunt two, right? But, look at it, it photographs beautifully. OCD brides, take note.

3. Personalise it. Have the design depict your journey – the countries you travelled to together, the landmark moments, the day you first kissed… every detail that matters to you. We love this design that cleverly weaves in the wedding date in the arabesque strokes.

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4. Experimental brides, let us indulge you in the white henna trend. The snowy pattern will look divine paired with your pastel lehengas. Those of you who dig the all-white look, this brand-new fixation is a gift.

5. If you are on board with white henna, play it up with a hint of gold. White-and-gold mehendi is a real thing in 2018. The trend has been a roaring one in the Middle East. It’s time the Indian brides get up to speed.

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6. Not convinced about identical patterns? You do you. This mehendi design is right up your alley. While it stretches to the forearm on one side, on the other, it finishes at the knuckles. Also, how cute are those knuckle tattoos?

7. The circular mandalas never get old. This design fills up the palm with a majestic motif and takes to the fingers and the forearm with geometric patterns. Highly recommended if you don’t have the patience to sit long hours.

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8. What we love about the dark-and-light patterns is the drama it creates on the bride’s hands. Here, the artist has used two varying types of henna (regular and jagua) dyes, and used the back of the hand to create a canvas. Props for highlighting the cuticles.

9. Geometrical patterns get our vote too. The traditional patterns are gorgeous, sure, but excessive too. Chill brides needn’t succumb to the same old lines. Instead, play it up with architectural shapes – squares squeezed into diamonds, tessellation art and optical illusions, there is a lot you can work into your bridal statement.

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10. Customised patterns are all the rage. This comic-themed mehendi, for instance, takes inspiration from the folk tale Arabian Nights. Would you look at the portrait of Jasmine and Aladdin? Sold!

11. Finally, for all the desi brides, who won’t settle for anything less than queen-sized, here’s a classic henna pattern that proves clichés aren’t all that bad.